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By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Francis R. Shelton, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 15 July 1918, near Fossoy, France, Lieutenant Shelton was wounded in the side by shrapnel. Though in great pain, he nevertheless remained in command of his Company for forty-eight hours, displaying the greatest coolness, judgment and personal heroism in repelling the offensive launched by the enemy. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 44 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Francis Ronalds Shelton, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fossoy, France, 15 July 1918. Although wounded in the side by shrapnel and suffering great pain, Lieutenant Shelton remained in command of his company for 48 hours, successfully repelling the offensive launched by the enemy.